History of Cannabis

Cannabis, a plant used medicinally for millennia, evolved approximately 28 million years ago on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, closely related to the common hop used in beer. The first known written mention of cannabis is attributed to Chinese Emperor Shen Nong in 2727 BCE. However, the compendium of 365 medicinal herbs attributed to him was actually written during the Han dynasty (222 BCE to 220 CE), creating some debate over the accuracy of this claim.

In this blog, we’ll briefly discuss some of the history of cannabis, including ancient uses, early spread and cultivation, and contemporary use.

Ancient Uses of Cannabis

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of cannabis use in the Jirzankal cemetery in Central Asia dating back 2500 years. Excavated items included skeletons, wooden plates, bowls, and harps, along with wooden braziers that contained high levels of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. These findings suggest that cannabis was burned in enclosed spaces during rituals, allowing mourners to inhale THC-laced fumes.

Key historical references to cannabis use include:

• Egyptian Ebers Papyrus (1500 BCE): Mentioned as a topical treatment for inflammation.
• Assyrian Clay Tablets (1500 BCE): Noted cannabis use for treating depression.
• Herodotus (484-425 BCE): Described its use in burial rites.
• Han Dynasty (221 BCE – 220 CE): Records indicate use of cannabis in surgical anesthesia.

Cannabis in Ancient Civilizations

The ancient Greeks and Romans also utilized cannabis for its medicinal properties. The oldest Greco-Roman encyclopedia, Naturalis Historia, documents its use for making rope, treating pain, and reducing inflammation. Through the Islamic empire, cannabis spread throughout the Middle East, reaching North Africa, and eventually the Western Hemisphere. In 1545, Spaniards introduced cannabis to Chile for fiber production.

Early Spread and Cultivation

Cannabis was present in Central Asia approximately 11,700 years ago, near the Altai Mountains. Ancient humans likely discovered its psychoactive properties through heated cannabis and resin from female plants, leading to cultivation for specific traits. The migration of nomadic peoples spread cannabis seeds across Eurasia, reflected in the diverse terminology for cannabis in different languages (e.g., Hemp in English, Hanf in German, Cannabis in Latin).

Cannabis eventually reached Africa and America, with notable cultivation in Nova Scotia by colonist Louis Hebert in 1606. During the 18th and 19th centuries, its influence grew across various cultures. The Persian poet Hafez inspired European rediscovery of cannabis’s medicinal properties through translated Arabic texts. In the early 1800s, William Brooke O’Shaughnessy and Jacques-Joseph Moreau de Tours further studied its effects.

Cannabis in the United States

Until the early 20th century, cannabis use in the United States was largely unregulated. Early colonists used hemp for rope, paper, and cloth, while its medicinal applications treated numerous ailments. However, as other sedatives and analgesics were developed, cannabis faced increasing restrictions. In the early 1900s, its use became associated with marginalized ethnic and racial minorities, leading to state-level prohibitions. The 1914 Harrison Narcotics Act marked the beginning of federal drug control, despite opposition from the American Medical Association.

The 1937 Marijuana Tax Act and the removal of cannabis from the American pharmacopeia in 1942 significantly restricted its medical use. The cultural shift of the 1960s, marked by the “flower power” movement, saw renewed interest in cannabis, especially among anti-establishment youth. Despite the UN’s 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs placing cannabis under stringent controls, the debate for legalization persisted.

Legal and Medical Developments

In 1970, the U.S. Controlled Substances Act classified cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, halting research efforts. However, medical use continued with individuals like Robert Randall, who legally received cannabis for glaucoma in 1976. His advocacy led to the founding of the Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics in 1980.

The 1987 Swedish study linking cannabis to psychosis raised concerns, but alternative explanations suggest a complex relationship rather than direct causation. Advocacy for medical cannabis grew, leading to the formation of the American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) in 2010. The ACNA promotes cannabis nursing as a specialty, emphasizing education and policy development.

Contemporary Cannabis Use

Cannabis remains the most used federally illegal drug in the U.S., with approximately 48 million users. Support for legalization is high, with about 90% of adults favoring it. Globally, cannabis is the third most used psychoactive substance, after alcohol and tobacco, with usage rising alongside its potency.

In 2017, the U.S. National Academy of Medicine highlighted the need for more research and standardized guidelines for safe cannabis use. Despite ongoing legal challenges, the steady support for therapeutic cannabis use underscores its historical significance and enduring relevance in medicine and culture.

Continue Your Education

To learn more about the healthcare applications, legal and ethical issues, history, and effects of medical cannabis, check out our Certificate in Medical Cannabis or take the individual course on Cannabis—History, Culture, and Business Issues.